Thanksgiving travel this week is forecast to be down 10% as compared to 2019, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.Drivers will find gas prices are a bit higher - but still relatively low - as they hit the road. The price of gas rose an average of 4 cents last week, a 5% increase.
"Drivers are likely to find the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in 12 years," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Gas prices are inching higher, due to vaccine news, but reports of rising cases of coronavirus should prevent any significant gains at the pump."
Jacksonville remains one of the cheapest areas of Florida to fill up in.
The average price for a gallon of regular was running $1.98, according to AAA. By comparison, the West Palm Beach and Boca Raton areas had the most expensive gas at $2.16 a gallon.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is strongly recommending that people stay home for Thanksgiving to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
If you do travel, the CDC advises that you take a series of steps to protect yourself and others — including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from others and frequently washing your hands. But the agency says, "Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice this Thanksgiving."
Related
- Don't Travel For Thanksgiving, CDC Warns
- Lowest Gas Prices Around Jacksonville
- More Local, State And National Coronavirus News
The Florida Department of Health reported Monday morning there have been 938,414 total COVID-19 cases in the state since record keeping began, with 17,991 deaths of Florida residents and an additional 223 deaths in the state of non-residents.
In Duval County, another 208 confirmed cases were reported in Monday morning's numbers, bringing the total to 40,045 positive COVID-19 cases among residents, with an additional 539 non-residents in Duval County testing positive.
A total of 569 deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been reported in Duval County.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
